Build up a Close Bond With Your Guinea Pig

In a few simple steps you can learn how to get your guinea pig to trust you. In a short space of time you and your piggy will be good friends.

Steps

  1. Pick up your piggy. Scoop one hand under his or her chest, And with your other hand hold the piggy in between his or her legs. Pick your piggy up slowly!
  2. You can also carry your piggy on your lap (when sitting!) For small children an old cushion or a towel may help with confidence, and stop the claws (remember to clip them!) from digging into their lap.
  3. Relax, your pet can feel your tension and this will make him/her scared or stressed. This can be bad for your piggy
  4. Piggies love quite soothing music (classical is best) in order to calm them down. Quiet and soothing music, not the latest heavy metal tracks.
  5. Brushing your pet may build up a bond and your local pet store will stock a small animal brush for sure. If there are no brushes available, a toothbrush will do. Do not use a used toothbrush. It is unsanitary. Most say you can if you wash it thoroughly, but it is still gross. Buy a new toothbrush, they're not that expensive.
  6. Get some small treats or cut up veg to give your piggy. Veggies are preferred because they are more healthy for the piggy, and your piggy will still enjoy it.
  7. Let them lick the sweat off your fingers. This may sound a bit weird but piggies love the salty taste of the sweat (but don't give them salt). This may also seem gross to you, but if you want your piggy to be happy you better try. But be careful. Some piggies don't do this, and they'd rather give you a nibble. So first try, like the picture says, with your finger nail.
  8. If you are bringing a piggy home for the first time, give them about a week before handling. After 3-5 days, you may pet them, though. Just don't remove from cage for a week. They need to get used to the surroundings, and piggies are naturally afraid of big giants, like we are.



Tips

  • LOVE YOUR PIGGY!
  • Relax.
  • Don't lean over them too much, they will think that you're trying to hurt them.
  • If your piggy is young don't put them up high, this can stress them.
  • Do not punish or shout at your guinea pigs; they will not understand and will get stressed.
  • Guinea pigs like routine, so try to do things such as feeding at the same time every day. Keep a schedule.
  • If your guinea pig is biting, try feeding some carrots or brushing while the pig is still in the cage. This will make the guinea pig more comfortable around you, give him or her something to bite, and carrots are really good for their teeth.
  • Show them that you care for them.
  • Speak to them softly, the piggies will get used to your voice as a good thing.
  • If you have more than one pig, try as best as you can to treat them equally. And make sure one piggy doesn't steal food from the other!

Warnings

  • If you are carrying your piggy while standing, and your piggy struggles too much to be held, lower your piggy to the floor. You may not want the piggy there, but it's better than having your piggy fall. Believe it or not, if an adult drops a piggy to the floor, it's not likely the piggy will survive!
  • "Over handling" is possible. Don't constantly have your guinea pig out of the cage. Over handling can lead to stress and make your pig sick.

Things You'll Need

  • Veggies
  • Calming music (optional– some piggies do not like this)
  • Small pet brush
  • Treats (careful! These are unhealthy for your piggy if fed too much. Veggies are healthier, and your piggies will enjoy them just as much.)
  • Towel or old cushion
  • Have at least 5 square feet (4645.15 square centimeters) per guinea pig.
  • Bedding or Fleece
  • Water bottle
  • At least two things to hide in
  • Don't forget the piggy!!!

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